Travel options for seniors

[ludoh]

Hi,
my parents are thinking of taking their first trip to Australia (from AMS) since I moved here over 11 years ago - they are 80-82 yrs old and have never flown beyond a 1hr flight in Europe. They are looking to travel in March/April 2013 and want to fly business class for the extra comfort.

On the trip over my sister and her husband will accompany them (in Y) and on the way back I'm looking to fly back with them (me, mrsludoh and 2 kids (1 and 2) in Y as well).

What would be the best airline option (they like the thought of Emirates A380 but I was hoping for at least a few award flights for myself and mrsludoh) ? Also taking into account duration and minimal stop overs and comfort/service on board (their English is limited)
I guess the Emirates/Qantas codeshare would not be in place by then and would it mean anything to OW members in terms of award fllights.

I really want to make this work but also looking to minimize my cost by using some points (looked at a return for the family and looking at close to 10kAUD for the return trip).

 

[nickykim]

Don't know about the flights, but don't be surprised by the travel insurance cost. And although there is a reciprocal health treatment agreement between UK and Australia, be aware that recovery from what for you and I may be a small injury (say a trip over an uneven portion of footpath) can mean costly rescheduling of flights if recovery is extended.

I hope you find great flights for them and that they come and enjoy their stay.

Nicky

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hi,
my parents are thinking of taking their first trip to Australia (from AMS) since I moved here over 11 years ago - they are 80-82 yrs old and have never flown beyond a 1hr flight in Europe. They are looking to travel in March/April 2013 and want to fly business class for the extra comfort.

On the trip over my sister and her husband will accompany them (in Y) and on the way back I'm looking to fly back with them (me, mrsludoh and 2 kids (1 and 2) in Y as well).

What would be the best airline option (they like the thought of Emirates A380 but I was hoping for at least a few award flights for myself and mrsludoh) ? Also taking into account duration and minimal stop overs and comfort/service on board (their English is limited)
I guess the Emirates/Qantas codeshare would not be in place by then and would it mean anything to OW members in terms of award fllights.

I really want to make this work but also looking to minimize my cost by using some points (looked at a return for the family and looking at close to 10kAUD for the return trip).

A friend of ours was looking the other day and found Qatar airways out of germany for AUD4400 return - business! Absolute bargain. Also from AMS is Garuda, which should be very cheap, has an excellent product (including full flat beds), but the price is reflective of the increased stops and travel time (there are lengthy lay-overs in Indonesia of about 6 hours or so).

there are plenty of other options in Business class out of AMS, including $3500 on Viet Nam Airlines (long layovers though), $4200 on Austrian Airlines (taking Thai airways from Bangkok to AU), Scandinavian airlines for about $4300, followed by Emirates at $4900.

You can go to bestflights and search ex AMS, then I'd go to the airlines website and book from there.